8 Adorable Small Towns In Minnesota
Minnesota is one of America's most beautiful and diverse states. Its small towns each offer a distinct charm, from lakeside lighthouses to lively festivals, historic architecture, and rich cultural heritage. In Two Harbors, visitors can explore century-old beacons and waterfall-filled parks, while Wabasha’s offers skiing, kayaking, and close encounters with America’s favorite raptors. Winona features world-class art, breathtaking bluffs, and old-world churches, and Grand Marais pairs creative energy with rugged Lake Superior beauty and its beloved Moose Madness Family festival. Together, these towns reveal the heart of Minnesota.
Two Harbors
Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior is the charming town of Two Harbors. It is a wonderful place for those who love history and spending time on the water. A great example of that is the Two Harbors Lighthouse. Standing guard since 1892, this magnificent building is a great place to learn about the area's local history. For a truly awe-inspiring site, pay a visit to Gooseberry Falls State Park. While there, you can view the waterfalls the park was named after. The state park is also a great place for hiking and cross-country skiing. To warm up with a hot meal, stop in at the local favorite, Blackwoods Bar & Grill. Golf lovers will want to spend time at the Lakeview National Golf Course, featuring 18 holes of pristine greens and challenging sand traps. During your time in town, you can stay at the Superior Shores Resort, right on the shores of the lake.
Wabasha
The lovely town of Wabasha sits on the banks of the famous Mississippi River. During the warmer months, the river is an ideal spot for swimming and kayaking. During the winter months, you can take to the ski slopes at the Coffee Mill Ski Area. Did you know that Wabasha is known as "the eagle capital of America?" It's true! While you're in Wabasha, you can spend time at the National Eagle Center to get up close and personal with some of our phenomenal feathered friends. Chocoholics will definitely want to stop by the Chocolate Escape to sample their delicious dishes. As a fun fact about Wabasha, the movies "Grumpy Old Men" and "Grumpier Old Men" starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, and Sophia Loren were set there. If you happen to be in town during late February, you can even take part in the annual "Grumpy Old Men" Festival! While in town, you can grab a bite at the Silver Star Saloon & Grill. Wabasha is only 74 miles (110 km) from Minneapolis, so it's perfect for a day or weekend trip.
Excelsior
Around 23 miles (37 km) from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul sits the idyllic town of Excelsior. To learn more about the area, you can stop in at the Excelsior Museum/Lake Minnetonka Historical Society. While you're in town, you can enjoy Excelsior's beautiful scenery by spending time at Excelsior Commons, a large park situated right by Excelsior Bay. The park features a kids' play area, lots of green space, and a great view of the water in the nearby bay. For an altogether different view of this charming town, you can take a scenic cruise of Lake Minnetonka with Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen. If you're looking for a fun and quirky gift for yourself or others, then the Golden Rule Gallery no doubt has what you're looking for.
Red Wing
The town of Red Wing is a dream destination for history lovers. Established by European settlers in 1857, the town, on the banks of the Mississippi, was named after Chief Red Wing II, also known as Tatankamani, leader of the Mdewakanton Dakota people. While in town, you can spend time at the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, home to over 6,000 pieces. From there, you can take in a performance at the historic Sheldon Theater. Opened in 1904, the theatre features both original works and American standards. If you get peckish, stop by the Smokin' Oak Rotisserie & Grill. One of the best things about the town is the amount of green space it has. Minnesota is beautiful all year round, and while in Red Wing, you can enjoy the best of all seasons while spending time at Bay Point Park, featuring picnic areas, a volleyball court, and plenty of walking trails. Just don't forget to bundle up in the colder months!
Lanesboro
The charming town of Lanesboro is currently home to just 724 people, making it one of the state's best-kept secrets. As the town is so close to Amish country, Lanesboro offers a variety of unique experiences, such as Bluffscape Amish Tours, which offer a great way to learn about the Amish people. If you're craving a good meal while in town, you can stop in at the Peddle Pushers Cafe. To learn more about the town's fascinating history, visit the Lanesboro History Museum. The town is approximately 40 miles (64 km) from the larger city of Rochester, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. If you decide to stay for longer, you can lay your head at the Root River Inn & Suites, conveniently located in downtown Lanesboro. While you're in the area, do yourself a favor and stop by the historic Lanesboro Stone Dam. Locals and visitors agree, it's damn impressive!
New Ulm
Founded in 1854 by German settlers, the town of New Ulm wears its Bavarian heart on its sleeve. In the center of town, you'll find the Herman Heights Monument. Along with symbolizing the town's German heritage, the monument is also home to New Ulm's most famous resident, a bronze statue that locals have taken to calling Hermann The German. Make sure you stop by and say hello! The Flandrau State Park is the perfect spot to drink a hot chocolate from Lola - American Bistro and marvel at nature's glory. During your time in New Ulm, you can learn a bit more about the state's musical roots by visiting the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Inside, you'll see exhibits from all of the state's greats, including the one-time proprietor of Paisley Park, the legendary Prince. There is no rule that you have to do the Bat-Dance when visiting his exhibit, but as we know, there is no rule saying you can't. As a fun fact, New Ulm is also the birthplace of legendary film actress Tippi Hedren, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's classic The Birds.
Winona
Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is the quaint town of Winona. As a fun fact, the town is the birthplace of actress Winona Ryder, and as a bonus fact, she was in fact named after the town! While you are in town, however, you can spend time at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. The MMAM is home to spectacular artwork from local and international artists. To see a marvelous example of old-world architecture, we recommend stopping in at the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka. Built in 1894, the beautiful church still operates to this day. Walking through its doors and sitting in a pew feels like you are stepping back in time. One of the best parts of a small town like Winona is that you can get closer to nature and really enjoy the fresh air. To that end, the Garvin Heights City Park features walking/biking trails and plenty of green space. The closest major city to Winona is Rochester, 44 miles (70 km) away, where you'll find Rochester International Airport. While you're in Winona, you can stay at the Holiday Inn Express.
Grand Marais
Home to just 1,337 people, the town of Grand Marais is one of those great "hidden gem" towns that has a great deal to offer. The area's moose population inspired one of the town's most popular annual events. During the third week of October, Grand Marais hosts Moose Madness, featuring games, activities, and prizes. During the rest of the year, you can spend time at the Grand Marais Light. Imagine what it was like when the lighthouse was first lit in 1922 as you look over Lake Superior. Grand Marais has a thriving artistic community. While in town, you can view and make some amazing art at the Grand Marais Art Colony. The art colony is the perfect place for you to unleash your creativity.
If you get hungry while in town, make sure to stop in at the Angry Trout Cafe. This lakeside eatery is known for its tasty selection of seafood. No trip to Grand Marais is complete without a visit to Artist’s Point, the waterfront area features a rocky shoreline with a great view of the water. During the warmer months, it's a great place for a swim. Interestingly, the closest major city to Grand Marais is Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, about 72 miles (115 km) away and on the other side of the Canadian border. Meanwhile, the closest American city to Grand Marais is Minnesota's famous Twin Cities of Minneapolis-Saint-Paul, which is a drive of 266 miles (428 km). Load up some podcasts and snacks for the drive, and you'll have a chance to see more of the amazing country.
Final Thoughts
As we've seen, Minnesota has so much to offer visitors. The state is famous for its bone-chilling winter months, its Minnesota Vikings NFL team, and its famous Twin Cities, but the state clearly has so much more to offer. Each of the small towns that dot the state has its own unique charm and character. Whether it's a thriving artistic community, a thrilling military history, or a laid-back environment, there is something for everyone. Your trip to one of these towns may only last a day or two, but the memories will last a lifetime.
